Curatorial studies culminating with international art exhibition
The British Council has invited two Teesside University students to travel to Italy to attend an internationally renowned art exhibition as part of a prestigious fellowship.
Faiza Faiq and Caitlin McHugh are attending the Venice Biennale, one of the world’s largest and most important exhibitions for art, architecture, cinema, music, dance and theatre.
The MA Curating (with Advanced Practice) students from Teesside University’s School of Arts & Creative Industries were invited after receiving the prestigious Venice Fellowship from the British Council, which commissions the biennale’s British Pavilion.
As part of the fellowship, Faiza and Caitlin received £3,000 and the opportunity to spend a month in Venice working as ambassadors at the British Pavilion exhibition.
They will be representing exhibiting artists, connecting with peers and visitors, conducting research, gaining experience and exploring the biennale, as well as touring the city in their spare time.
Faiza, from Pakistan, who is known as Faiza Gelani professionally, is an artist and has worked as a curator for the past three years. She is an international student at Teesside University and is nearing the end of her postgraduate studies.
She said: “The Venice Biennale is the Olympics of the art world, so I couldn’t believe that I had received the fellowship. I feel really proud of myself.
“Sixty-six creative students, artists, researchers and early-career professionals were selected from across the UK, and I believe I’m the only Pakistani in this group. It’s a very big thing for me to be representing not just my country but also Teesside University.
“I can’t wait to be part of it and experience the whole exhibition. I’m going to meet locals, fellows and professionals from all over the world as lots of countries have pavilions at the biennale.
“It’ll be my first time in Venice, so I’m most excited about seeing the floating city that I’ve heard so much about. We’re going to leave with some incredible experience and amazing stories.”
This will be the second exhibition of its kind that Faiza has been involved with, having taken part in the Lahore Biennale in Pakistan.
Caitlin, who is currently based in Manchester, works as a teaching assistant at a special educational needs school alongside her studies.
She added: “The voices that the British Council has chosen as ambassadors this year feel extremely diverse and really relevant to curatorial strategies of current and future ages.
“I’m really excited about heading to the Venice Biennale and proud of myself for getting there. I can't wait to meet the other fellows and see all the different countries’ pavilions.
“I think as long as you put in the work, which we really will, something like this can change the trajectory of your life and career. It’s a potentially life-changing opportunity when you make the most of it.”
Delivered at Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art, the MA Curating (with Advanced Practice) course places a focus on students gaining valuable industry experience alongside their academic studies.
Both Faiza and Caitlin are planning to pursue a PhD after graduating with their postgraduate degrees.
Professor Sarah Perks, from Teesside University’s School of Arts & Creative Industries, said: “As a partner institution of the British Council, Teesside University is proud to be represented at the internationally renowned Venice Biennale.
“Faiza and Caitlin will have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the event, collaborating with like-minded peers from across the world and building networks which will help them realise their curatorial ambitions.
“We wish them every success as they embark on this exciting journey.”
The Venice Biennale will take place throughout the city between Saturday 20 April and Sunday 24 November.
Lauren Heslop
Communications Assistant (Content Production)
01642 738939